As Labor Day approaches, people are enthusiastically planning their long weekend with activities that entail soaking up the sun and spending quality time with friends and family. As joyful as celebrating Labor Day is, there's always an underlying feeling of apprehension as it also indicates the end of summer. We can either view this new season as the "end-of-the-summer-blues," or look at it as an opportunity to embrace change and welcome new adventures.

Add Immune-Boosting Practices to Your Routine

The end of the summer also means planning for school, changing wardrobes, preparing your home for a new season. This is the perfect opportunity to undergo a complete metamorphosis of healthy living. Schedule your annual doctor visits to ensure you are up to date on vaccines or find out if you have any vitamin deficiencies. 🍏 Other immune-boosting practices you can begin to incorporate are daily walks, ensuring you get eight hours of sleep each night, eating more fresh fruits and vegetables, and of course, drinking enough water.

Take a Social Media Break

Social media plays a pivotal role in our lives. On one hand, it helps us remain connected with long-distance friends and family, cherish memories, and stay up-to-date on current events. On the other hand, it can become addictive and lead to overindulgence, poor mental health¹, and make us procrastinate important tasks. Taking a social media break will allow you to recoup and discover things about yourself you may not have otherwise.

While social media helps us stay connected with friends and family, it can also lead to over-reliance, affecting our mental health. Taking a short break from social media can help you reconnect with yourself.

Start a Summer's End Tradition

Labor Day is the perfect timing to gather friends and family for a sweet summer send-off. Make it a point for all the same people to attend each year, with an abundance of lively games and delicious foods. Another idea is to throw a bash on September 22nd--summer's official last day. Whether you host a make-shift beach party with blow-up pools and barbecues or create a vision board of all you want to accomplish for the next year. Year after year you can compare your boards and revel in all you've done.

Out with the Old, in with the New

Take this time to transition everything else in your life with the seasons and tidy up. If you have an especially clutter-filled house, keep in mind that recent research found that too much clutter limits your brain's ability to process information and makes you distracted.² Simplifying your life eliminates stress, and allows you to breathe and recognize what's important.

Create a Bucket List

Just because the days are shorter and the weather cools down, doesn't mean you have to remain cooped up at home. Whether it's a last-minute bucket list for end-of-the-summer adventures that you have yet to experience or a fall bucket list with new seasonal activities, they are a great way to plan out our goals.

Last minute summer bucket list ideas:

• Throwing an ice cream social
• Attend an outdoor concert
• Have a picnic by the lake
• Try a new salad or fruit recipe
• Go to a county fair

Fall bucket list ideas:

• Start a book club
• Visit a farmers market
• Take a leisurely bike ride
• Bake cookies, apple pies, or banana bread
• Host a bonfire at the beach, park, or backyard
• Go on a road trip

Enjoy Everyday Life with SPARKFUL

With a touch of joy, fun, and mindfulness, we can make the most of every day of the year.

Even though summer (or summer break) is coming to an end, it also means a new season full of endless possibilities and fun is just around the corner. Don’t forget to start planning your seasonal to-do list. Let’s embrace the playful spirit and discover the sparks of joy in everyday life together!